45 days, 28,000 miles...and only two suitcases

---

They said it couldn't be done. Well, what they really said was that Steve could do it - no problem - but there was no way Anne Marie could. What you say? Pack for 45 days covering 28,000 miles in just one 22" inch rolling suitcase - well, one suitcase expanded to its very greatest. Well, the negotiations with said suitcase began about a week ago when Lauren's room turned into the staging area - plenty of stuff went in, not a lot came out. Steve is fond of reminding me that we were not going to a third world country but......how about I really needed that cute pink top???? So yesterday the negotiations got serious and the zippers strained, the editing began (only the pink polo, not the pink tank top), friendly advice suggested I needed more tops than bottoms since no one looks at what you're wearing down there, and I caved in to reality. After a final editing session this morning and a no holds barred final negotiation with the suitcase the deed was done! And what was Steve doing all this time - smiling serenely while gazing at his easily packed suitcase - oh, to be a guy, and a perfect one at that.

So now here we sit at SFO, eight months after we started planning this little road trip - excited, a bit anxious, wanting just to get there. The big experiment this trip is that we have gone totally digital - no reams of paper with reservations, just everything easily available in our calendars and Dropbox. I say this so confidently - wish us luck!

Next stop Singapore!

P.S. Carryons don't count...

---

Comments

[Marty Boyer]

congratulations on traveling the Rick Steves way!
The negotiations were worth it. Trust me, you will return very sick of those 22 inches of clothes, but you will never travel "heavy" again. I am excited for you. And congrats on the great photo you've attached to the site...is this the famed pink shirt that is in that suitcase?

[Claire]

Happiness is a smaller suitcase
By the time you get to Day 20, you, your back, your arms and your legs will be very happy that you are schlepping a smaller suitcase (and carry-on bag). Take this from one who lugged a 50 lb. duffel and a 22" roller bag on and off trains in Europe 2 years ago. Enjoy your limited choice of clothes and focus on all the wonderful sights you are going to see.